About Cool Dads Foundation

The Cool Dad Foundation is a non-profit organization that was established in 2012 by Bongani Luvalo and a network of friends in Kwa-Thema, located in the East Rand after the realization that many fathers play very little active role in the development and upbringing of their children. This foundation was formed to respond directly and indirectly to this discourse. This Foundation seeks to address issues of fatherhood in society at large, with an aim to engage with fathers in this all important role and remind them of their fundamental responsibility towards their kids. A Cool Dad is a present father. He not only responds to his own children’s needs…but also those of that are without fathers.

At a luncheon hosted by the then United Nations Secretary General Kofi Anan at the special session of the UN for Children, New York City, 9th May 2002, Nelson Mandela said: “History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children”. We at Cool Dads Foundation aim to be that difference. We want to be more than a mouth piece for this demographic of society, we want to implement action.

Below are a few more concepts we will be building on:

  • Be the change you want to see
  • Differentiating between respect and fear
  • Provider, protector, teacher, caregiver, mentor, role model, life coach
  • More than a ‘walking ATM’
  • Eliminating the ‘monster dad’ perception of fatherhood
  • Forgiveness
  • Guidance
  • Unconditional love
  • Acceptance
  • Discipline
  • Compassion
  • Safety
  • Our Vision

Our Vision

Is to grow into a nationally recognized network of fathers with a passion for fatherhood, addressing the social ills stemming from absent fatherhood and reinstate the image of the man and dignity of fatherhood in our society.

Our Misison

Is to facilitate, promote, educate, advocate and support a culture of positive fatherhood, by engaging with fathers and remind them of their fundamental responsibility towards their kids.

Our Core Values

  • Selflessness
  • Advocacy
  • Honesty
  • Integrity
  • Passion

Our Objectives

  • Create awareness on the adverse effects of having an emotionally and/or physical absent fathers.
  • To provide parenting skills through workshops and seminars.
  • Create dialogues between Father and Father, as well as Father and Child.
  • To involve fathers that have already championed the course of fatherhood as a valuable resource to draw valuable lessons.
  • To develop and promote effective programs that engage fathers in all aspects of positive fatherhood.

Our Target Market

  • All males that have assumed the role of fatherhood, including but not limited to present fathers, non-present fathers and expecting fathers.

 

 

The Founder

Sir Bongani Luvalo is the founder of the Cool Dads Foundation, he is a philanthropist, youth activist and development practitioner. He is also currently serving as the General Secretary of the South African Youth Council; the Youth Council is an umbrella body of youth organizations in the country. Their membership covers political, religious, business, students and issue based organizations. Sir Luvalo is also an entrepreneur, owning companies that focus on Property Development, Project Management Consultancy and Transportation. His interest in human relations and behavior has set a path for him to be a Facilitator/moderator for seminars and workshops, Speaker and Social Commentator on Khaya FM, SA FM and Power FM and other media platforms. He has also presented papers on different platform including the World Council of Churches Peace conference in Kingston, Jamaica 2010. Conference of Parties (COP17), Durban 2011.

Bongani holds a B-Tech Degree in Theology with the University of South Africa, Marketing N6 Certificate at Springs College, Advanced Senior Certificate in Project Management and a Certificate in Cooperate Communication at the University of Witwatersrand. He is currently studying Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management at the Regenesys Business School.

Bongani is a father to a beautiful daughter, he is pragmatic and believes that “tomorrow will be better than yesterday”.